In Pride and Prejudice's tightly defined world, finances and convenience, rather than romance, provided the foundation for relationships and marriage.The reality of having to raise five daughters stresses the imminent threat to poverty on the Bennet family. Therefore, in this context, Mrs. Bennett acts rationally because marriage was not about love, rather about safety, security, and reputation. Mirroring the characters' constant anxiety over doting and impressing the opposite sex in early English society, Austen incorporates marriage throughout the novel, which sadly proves it to be a necessity rather than a luxury.
Examples of Marriage:
1. Austen's first sentence introduces the theme of marriage in an ironic manner.
2. Mr and Mrs Bennet have been married for 23 years, though it was initially based on physical attraction. Mrs. Bennet's has committed her life to marrying off her five daughters to prosperous men.
3. Charlotte accepts Collins marriage proposal solely for the purpose of fulfilling society's expectations.
4. Bingley and Jane's marriage was based on rationality, love, and respect.
5. Even though Elizabeth and Darcy end up in a happy marriage, Elizabeth initially defies the cultural expectations, by refusing to marry in accordance to society's necessity for marriage.
6. Lydia and Wickham's unhappy marraige was their reaction to irresponsible behavior.
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